RNA-binding proteins in virus infection and cancer

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Who we are

Life relies on the coordinated temporal and spatial control of gene expression. Recent work has demonstrated that RNA levels only partially correlate with protein abundance, implying that post-transcriptional regulation strongly contributes to sculpting the cellular proteome. RNA associates with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), forming dynamic ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) that control RNA fate. Although RNA plays a central role in cell biology, the scope of RNA-binding proteins and how these proteins respond to environmental cues remain largely unknown.

We aim at determining the repertoire of RBPs involved in virus infection and cell-cycle progression applying the state-of-the-art proteomics and RNA sequencing. We expect to identify cell-fate master regulators that will be further characterized using molecular and cellular biology methods as well as animal models. Through understanding the biological role of these RBPs, we will unveil unexplored aspects of cell division and infection.

Schematic representation of mRNA interactome capture

Our main aims:

Determination of the host factors required for HIV RNA metabolism.

Identification and characterization of the host repertoire of RBPs involved in the antiviral response.